What is High Quality Instruction? What does it mean for me? Donna Eustace Education Technology Consultant Kentucky Department of Education 1

Let’s Brainstorm… What is High Quality Instruction? 2

Session outcomes include: Establishing an awareness of HQI work happening at KDE. Understanding the 5 Components of HQI Reviewing the general characteristics of each component Reflecting on the current work 3

Background Partnership with Harvard, KDE and school districts (Jefferson, Daviess, Boone and Kenton Counties) Instructional core Coherent vision (Student, Teacher and Content) 4

Assertions (Tony Wagner) Student Achievement will not improve unless and until teaching improves. Higher standards, more testing, smaller schools, etc. do not, by themselves, improve teaching. Teachers, working alone, with little or no feedback on their instruction, will not be able to improve significantly—no matter how much professional development they receive. The challenge of change leadership is to create a “system” for continuous improvement of instruction, supervision, and instructional leadership. 5

The factors within the control of districts and schools that have the most significant impact on student learning is… High-quality instructional practice Well-designed curriculum, assessments and instructional materials aligned to standards Strong school leadership 6

"You don't change performance without changing the instructional core," states Anrig Professor Richard Elmore. "The relationship of the teacher and the student in the presence of content must be at the center of efforts to improve performance."Richard Elmore 7

What is the “instructional core”? 8

Why begin with High Quality Instruction? As a common point of reference for discussing effective practices in teaching by describing the roles of teachers and students Allows discussion of HQI around a set of research- based descriptors of effective classroom practice. 9

5 Components of High Quality Instruction (HQI) Learning Climate Classroom Assessment and Reflection Instructional Rigor and Student Engagement Instructional Relevance Knowledge of Content 10

Quick thoughts about the definitions Read over the definitions of each component (note your connections, significant words, etc.) Share at your tables Capture group thinking Be ready to share with the entire group 11

Let’s Review a General Template Characteristics of Each Component Read over the general characteristics of the component assigned to your table (note your connections, significant words, etc.) Share at your tables Capture your group’s thinking (may use word) Be ready to share with other tables. Determine who will speak for the group. 12

Examples: Science, Math and Technology Descriptions of characteristics Resources 13

Suggestions/Concerns? Recommendations? Next Steps? Wiki at 14

Thank you! Donna Eustace (502)